Tuesday Talks: Building Insulation

This course provided an overview of SPF, Spray Polyurethane Foam, beginning with its composition and how it is applied, as well as reviewing its multiple roles in the building envelope. The key to any material is how it works, and the course reviewed some of its many applications in both residential and commercial fields. A versatile and effective material such as SPF can help a LEED project with credits in many direct and indirect ways;Energy and Atmosphere, Indoor Environmental Quality Materials and Resources.
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Gaudi: A Visual Feast

This is a well-crafted film that provides a fascinating glimpse of some of Gaudi's most famous works. The film is a riveting visual feast; excellent cinematography with a unique musical score that complements the architecture. (There is no narrative or dialogue.) The film opens with a quick look at the culture of Spain  through its art and architecture, establishing a background against which to juxtapose Gaudi's radical departure from the historical past. Little is told of Gaudi's life; instead this documentary concentrates on some of his more iconic work and does so brilliantly. It leaves one wanting more...much more! Who was this man? How did he do it? What else did he design? This feast for the eyes and ears  is highly recommended!

Weslaco High School Music Halls Revisited

Weslaco ISD has asked Mata*Garcia Architects to revisit the exterior elevations for the Weslaco High School Music Halls project. (Original post of April 14, 2011.) They are as follows:

The original proposal complimented the elevations of the existing campus, yet updated the look by using corrugated metal panels in lieu of tilt-up concrete panels.

This version uses a warm gray brick for a base with Hardie panels place above in horizontal patterns to provide a visual reference to the existing campus.

The final study uses brick masonry with subtle detailing in the coursing. While this concept is different from the other buidlings on the WHS campus, the color of the brick and the detailing will compliment the existing facilities.